The Free State Department of Education has expressed deep sorrow following the brutal murder of a Kgololosego Secondary School teacher in Dealesville.

Mosiwa Tshabagae’s (41) body was discovered on Monday (23/9) inside his home on the school premises, covered in a blanket and lying in a pool of blood. The discovery was made by three women who had been trying to contact Tshabagae, said Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng.

They went to his home at the school, where they found his lifeless body. The police were immediately called to the scene and found bloodstains on the walls, a beer bottle covered in blood, broken glass in the kitchen, and an open toilet window.

Several personal items, including a laptop, cell phones, bank cards, keys, and clothes were reported stolen. Paramedics declared Tshabagae dead on the scene.

In a swift response, police arrested Itumeleng Petrus Mokoena (23), who was found wearing Tshabagae’s stolen clothes. He appeared in the Dealesville Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (25/9), where the case was postponed to Tuesday (1/10) for further investigation.

The Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba. Photo: Bloemfontein Courant

“This is a devastating blow to us, the education sector, and to his colleagues, learners, and community,” said Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba. “The deceased was a mathematics teacher, and it is very difficult to find a replacement for this crucial subject. At 41, he had more than 20 years left to share his knowledge with our learners.”

Ndaba praised Tshabagae’s dedication, noting that he was an active member of the school governing body who often went beyond the call of duty in his service to the school.

The department welcomed the swift arrest of the suspect.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg